I absolutely love this time of year when our readers determine the content of our/their magazine. 

 It’s time to reveal our Best of the Best winners as selected by our faithful readers who vote for their favorite businesses, restaurants, doctors, stylists, and so much more. 

I love the mad rush that ensues when the magazine hits the streets, as readers find out who wins. 

The winners excitedly post the results on their social media pages. Akers Media Group provides decals to the winners, which are proudly hung on the doors of their businesses. 

I want to be clear about something for those who are unfamiliar with our Best of the Best competition. Nominations are 100 percent based on reader participation. We simply put the categories out there, and readers fill them in. The same holds true for the voting process. Thousands of readers come to our website each year to vote for their favorite people, places, and events. Akers Media Group does not influence the vote or outcome in any way, shape, or form. 

Last year, our competition generated a record 20,000 votes as you told us which restaurant serves your favorite meals, which hairstylist provides the best looks, which doctor provides the highest quality of care, which massage therapist truly has healing hands, and which financial advisor steers you down the path to financial freedom. What better way to let professionals know they are doing a good job and are appreciated? 

We also enjoy this competition because it’s a go-to reference for those who need a Realtor to help them find a dream home, or a personal trainer who can help them lose weight. 

In closing, I’d like to congratulate all the Best of the Best nominees and winners. You are the standard by which others are measured. Kudos to you for making Lake and Sumter counties great places to live, work, and play. 

Sincerely,

Kendra